88 The instances of some peoples who rejected their Prophets have been cited to impress that they were given respite to reform themselves before they were punished. Therefore: O people of Makkah, you should not be deluded by the delay in your punishment. When the term of respite comes to an end, you shall also be punished like the former people, if you do not mend your ways in the meantime.
89. The Arabic word nakeer is very comprehensive and implies two meanings:
(1) Displeasure at the evil conduct of the other.
(2) A terrible punishment which disfigures the culprit so badly that he cannot even be recognized. The sentence therefore will mean: Just see when I seized them for this evil conduct, how terrible was My chastisement.